kuki zo community

The complex tensions in Manipur have surged beyond the Meitei and Kuki-Zo conflict, drawing the Naga groups into a heated fray. Retired Lt Gen Prabin Kalita posits that external players may be exploiting the turmoil to further engage the Nagas, intensifying an already volatile situation.

Manipur faces a critical crisis as tensions rise following the tragic deaths of three church leaders and a civilian, leading to a wave of kidnappings and paralyzing shutdowns in the hilly regions. With reports of over 38 hostages taken by conflicting factions, authorities are urgently working to negotiate their freedom.

In a volatile development, the Kuki National Army-Burma has crossed into Manipur, igniting tensions by launching assaults on three villages inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga in Kamjong district. Swift action by the Assam Rifles led to the rescue of a woman who had been kidnapped amid the chaos.

The assassination of Manipur's foremost church leader heralds a critical juncture for the central government's attempt to reestablish stability. With elections approaching, an extensive mobilization of elite CRPF units, complete with advanced technology like drones and armored vehicles, is set to combat the prevalent gun culture and reinforce the rule of law in the tumultuous region.

In Manipur, the turmoil of three years was met with a vibrant rally advocating for peace and justice, where citizens boldly declared May 3 as 'Anti-Narco Terrorism Day'. Meanwhile, Churachandpur reverberated with voices for 'Separation Day', honoring those displaced. Frustration over the central government’s lack of action was palpable among the thousands who gathered.

In a bold statement, the Kuki-Zo Council asserts its firm stance against the transition from central to state forces in the hills of Manipur. The council points to a troubled history marked by the complicity of state forces in past conflicts, underscoring the pivotal role of central forces in maintaining order.

In a tragic turn of events, a militant ambush on NH-202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a retired Army personnel. Three others sustained injuries in the attack that transpired on Saturday afternoon while a convoy made its way from Imphal to Ukhrul.

In a significant gesture, Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh made his way to Senapati district through Kangpokpi, marking the symbolic reopening of National Highway-2. This key artery, which had faced disruptions due to unrest, welcomed its first Chief Ministerial visit since the traumatic events of 2023.

In a tragic turn of events in Bishnupur district, Manipur, a devastating bomb blast claimed the lives of two Meitei children and left their mother critically injured. The incident ignited widespread protests, which escalated tensions, prompting security forces to open fire, resulting in two additional casualties. To regain control, authorities have enforced a curfew and suspended internet access.

In a bid to foster harmony, Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is set to engage with the Kuki-Zo Council this Saturday in Guwahati. This strategic meeting at a neutral ground underscores the council's commitment to dialogue, as they look to voice their community's concerns and aspirations.

In a staunch call for justice, the Tribal Unity Committee has issued an ultimatum, demanding the swift arrest of those responsible for the killings of two Kuki civilians within the next 48 hours.

In Churachandpur, tensions escalated as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum issued a stern warning to Malem Thongam, a cyclist of Meitei heritage, cautioning him against venturing into Kuki-Zo territories. The ITLF underscored that any attempt to traverse the designated buffer zone would be viewed as a 'direct violation,' with serious repercussions looming if he chose to move forward.

Fresh tensions flared in Imphal East as armed miscreants, suspected to be from the Kuki community, fired upon Meitei villagers collecting firewood. No casualties were reported, but security was heightened. Meanwhile, heavy firing between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups continued in Ukhrul, with a high-level review meeting held by the Manipur CM.

Amid ongoing ethnic tensions, Manipur's Kuki-Zo community, including BJP MLAs, has decided against participating in any future government if President's rule is lifted. This resolution, made at a joint meeting of Kuki-Zo organizations, emphasizes the community's unwavering stance on protecting its land, culture, and rights. The move poses a significant challenge to political normalization efforts without addressing Kuki-Zo concerns.

Tribal Group Seeks Separate Administration

The influential Kuki Zo Council declared a social boycott of any legislator from the community joining CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s govt. Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads in Kangpokpi district, and at least one group called for a shutdown in the hills. In Kangpokpi, roads littered with burning tyres signalled a return to unrest after a period of relative calm across the hills.

In a decisive move, Manipur's Chief Minister Khemchand successfully garnered support in the assembly through a voice vote. This session marked a notable return of three Kuki-Zo MLAs, including Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, who joined virtually after previously opting out. The Chief Minister appealed for unity, emphasizing the need to heal divides and foster trust among communities.

Deputy CM Urged To Reject Kuki Label For Thadou Identity

Seven Kuki tribal organizations have jointly appealed to the Meitei community to refrain from crossing the buffer zone at Thangting Hills in Churachandpur, warning of potential conflict. They assert that no friendly approach to Kuki-Zo land will be permitted until a political settlement is reached with the Indian government.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh brought together Meitei and Kuki-Zo displaced communities for the first time, facilitating financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer.

The ITLF requested Amit Shah for a separate Union territory under Article 239A due to incidents in Phaitol, Mongbung, Noney, and Tamenglong involving assaults on Kuki women, arrests, and house burnings. They condemned these actions and stressed that the Kuki-Zo community cannot live safely amid Meitei tensions and ongoing military operations.

Nemcha Kipgen’s appointment as deputy chief minister in the Khemchand Singh-led government has exposed intra-ethnic fault lines within the Kuki-Zo group, which has otherwise been at loggerheads with the majority Meiteis since May 2023

Kuki-Zo community members organized rallies in Manipur, demanding a separate administration and protesting alleged audio comments from Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state government claimed the audio clips were doctored. Singh rejected the demand for separation but expressed support for a special development package for Kuki-dominated areas. Clashes since May resulted in 226 deaths.

Manipur's Chief Minister virtually addressed displaced Meitei and Kuki-Zo families, offering cash relief and urging trust rebuilding. This marks the first joint outreach since ethnic violence erupted. While resettlement efforts are underway, mistrust persists, with displaced individuals sharing concerns about jobs, education, and healthcare access. The CM pledged support for students and security for patients.

Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur have strongly criticized the BJP's appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as deputy CM, viewing it as a blow to their demand for a separate homeland.